Why Skin Prep is the Key to the Best Shave of Your Life

Daily shaving is often viewed as one of those necessary evils for
most men. And let’s be honest –– we’ve all had bad experiences with
ingrown hairs, razor bumps, nicks, and general irritation at one time or
another. If this has been your fate, and the daily or weekly shave
feels like a bit of gamble –– in which the odds are either refreshed
skin or red, irritated skin ––it might be time to rethink how you’re
prepping your skin. Yes, believe it or not, razor bumps and irritation
don’t have to be the outcome. It just takes the proper pre-shave
habits:

Pre-shave step #1: The key to a great shave is to properly
cleanse the skin. A clean slate will ensure oil and debris have been
cleared away to prevent clogged pores and reduce irritation if you do
accidentally nick yourself. Elevate the experience by selecting a formula that refreshes the senses
with orange and grapefruit essences. Just be sure to work in the
cleanser with your fingertips for a couple of minutes before rinsing to
give it time to work. This seemingly simple step is often the most
overlooked and improperly executed. The cleanser needs to be worked into
the skin for several minutes in order for this step to be effective.

Pre-shave step #2: The next, often skipped, step is
exfoliating. Taking a few moments every few days to exfoliate will help
slough away dead skin cells and help provide a smooth surface to allow
the razor to glide over the curves of your face with ease. A scrub made with bamboo and jojoba
helps refine and resurface the skin, and create a clear foundation for
your shave. Just be mindful of the pressure you use and beware not to
over scrub, which would cause damage to the skin. Having a regular habit
of cleansing and exfoliating will soften the hair and stubble making
it easier to remove.

Pre-shave step #3: After cleansing, apply a shave oil
to help further soften hair, and protect and nourish the skin. The
serum works as a triple threat, restoring the moisture barrier and
preventing nicks and razor burn while protecting against irritation and
inflammation after the shave.

Pre-shave step #4: Lastly, apply a shave gel
to damp skin when you’re ready put the razor to your stubble. The gel
will work to give you a smooth, close finish and further provide
nourishment and protection. Always use a new blade and wrap your shave
up with a toner to prevent ingrown hairs and bumps, and reduce excess oil and skin cell build-up.

Remember: just because you’ve had a rough go of it before doesn’t
mean your shaving experience can’t be smooth sailing in the future. The
secret is in the ritual. Don’t cut corners thinking each of these steps
aren’t equally important. If it seems like a lot of steps at first, each
goes fast. The entire prep process will take under five minutes, and
could save you valuable time trying to cover up nicks and soothe
irritated skin. You might even come to like the new ritual, not to
mention the smooth results.